Pour

When the temperatures start to rise, I start to warm up to margaritas. They are the perfect icy cold complement to BBQ, summer salads and of course, Mexican food.

Normally I prefer the classic version - straight up, no funny business. You know, no frozen versions, no orange juice, no strawberry-mango-peach combinations, and never sweet and sour mix or Rose's lime juice - EVER!

I make an exception here with the addition of jalapeñosimple syrup. It's just the right amount of flavor and spice without veering into funny business.

The secret to great margaritas is the ratio of ingredients. Start out with quality spirits, keep it 2 parts tequila, 1 part triple sec and 1 part lime & sweetener and you will not go wrong. The sweetener can be another simple syrup or agave nectar.

Jalapeño Margarita

2 oz tequila - I prefer blanco but if you like reposado - go for it!

1 oz triple sec orange liqueur - Cointreau icks it up a notch

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

1/2 oz jalapeño simple syrup*

sliced jalapeño

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice, shake and strain into a rocks or stem glass with salted rim and garnish with a slice of jalapeño.

alapeño simple syrup:

Combine one cup of sugar, one cup of water and 1 large jalapeño pepper sliced lengthwise with seeds in. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20 minutes. Strain and allow to cool completely before continuing.